Exercises · cardio

Jump Rope

A cardio exercise where you turn a rope with your hands and perform repeated small jumps as it passes under your feet.

cardiocardiovascular systemropebeginnercompound

Secondary muscles

calvesquadricepshamstringsglutes

How to do it

  1. Hold a handle in each hand with the rope behind your heels.
  2. Stand tall with feet close together and elbows tucked by your sides.
  3. Turn the rope with your wrists and swing it up overhead.
  4. Hop just high enough to clear the rope as it passes under your feet.
  5. Land softly on the balls of your feet with knees slightly bent.
  6. Keep the rope moving in a smooth rhythm and repeat each jump.

Form cues

  • Turn with the wrists
  • Stay light on your feet
  • Jump only as needed
  • Keep elbows close

Common mistakes

  • Swinging the arms in big circles instead of using the wrists
  • Jumping too high off the floor on each rep
  • Landing flat-footed or with stiff knees
  • Letting the hands drift wide away from the hips

Breathing

Breathe steadily and naturally, exhaling softly every few jumps while keeping a relaxed rhythm.

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